In the realm of infrastructure management, traditional methods of sewer inspection often fall short, plagued by time constraints and labor-intensive processes. However, the advent of cutting-edge technology like the Asio X drone is heralding a transformative shift that not only streamlines inspections but enhances precision. Unlike its autonomous counterparts that effortlessly navigate the skies, the Asio X demands a skilled operator to maneuver it through challenging environments. As highlighted by industry expert Vince Astorino, the circumstances surrounding underground inspections are arduous. Operators grapple with darkness, varying airflow, and the proficiency required to pilot the drone through tight, often wet quarters. It’s a role that requires a high level of expertise, especially when navigating through areas with flowing water in intricate piping systems.
Mastering the Challenges of Underground Flight
Each mission using the Asio X begins with meticulous preparation. Operators employ an antenna lowered into the manhole to establish a connection with the drone controller, ensuring robust communication throughout the flight. This critical step lays the foundation for what becomes an essential operation: ferrying the drone from one manhole to the next. Here, the operator captures invaluable data, including video footage, LiDAR readings, infrared scans, and even gas levels within the sewer. With a flight duration of approximately 20 minutes, the Asio X can survey around 1,000 feet of pipeline in one mission, undoubtedly a leap forward compared to previous inspection methodologies.
What sets this drone apart is not only its ability to capture high-quality data but how that information is processed. Previously, inspections required operators to assess and log defects in real-time, an endeavor that often led to missed details in the field. Now, the data collected by the Asio X is entrusted to SewerAI, a pioneering company that leverages artificial intelligence to analyze footage more efficiently. Astorino praises this new approach, noting that every efficiency gained translates to substantial savings in time and financial resources for his team. This radical shift in methodology has been described as a “game-changer” in the trenches of infrastructure inspection.
AI-Powered Accuracy and Rapid Results
The power of AI in analyzing inspection data is perhaps one of the most significant advancements to surface in recent years. By automating the identification of defects, SewerAI’s algorithms outperform manual analyses consistently. Astorino recalls a series of extensive tests comparing traditional coded video data against the AI’s findings, where the latter not only identified issues quickly but accurately. Such advancements have drastically reduced the time required for analysis, an aspect crucial to the operational efficiency of sewer inspections. Where inspections once stretched over several months, the streamlined process under SewerAI allows the county to receive results within just 10 days, often much sooner.
What is particularly impressive is how this technology extends beyond the capabilities of the Asio X. Even in those cases where the drone cannot venture—such as small diameter pipes—data is still relayed for AI analysis rather than being manually coded in the field. The capacity to revisit old footage and reanalyze it with advanced algorithms means that issues previously overlooked can now be swiftly identified and rectified, ultimately directing repair efforts to the locations that demand them most urgently.
Pioneer of Progress: Macomb County’s Role in Infrastructure Innovation
Macomb County stands as a trailblazer in utilizing this fusion of drone technology and AI for underground infrastructure inspections. It makes sense that they have been recognized with multiple in-state awards for their forward-thinking methodologies. Astorino emphasizing their commitment to constantly seek improvements reflects a culture of innovation within the department. The reality of living amidst an ongoing “AI race” underscores the importance of embracing new technologies as they emerge.
The combination of the Asio X and AI-driven analytics has set a precedent within the sewer inspection industry. As jurisdictions look to modernize their approaches to infrastructure management, Macomb County shines as an example for others to follow. Their proactive strategies not only ensure better maintenance of critical sewer systems but ultimately protect communities from the potentially disastrous consequences of neglected infrastructure. The future is bright, as advancements in technology continue to refine and redefine how we approach inspection and repair of our underground utilities.